Ep 128 Braving Creativity with Naomi Vladeck: Turning Change into Courageous Transformation

In this episode, Anna sits down with Naomi Vladeck, founder of Creativity Matters Coaching and author of Braving Creativity. Naomi brings over two decades of experience working with creative professionals in the nonprofit arts world, combined with her own background as a performer, writer, and solo parent. Her work helps artists navigate the emotional terrain of change, uncertainty, and reinvention with compassion and courage.In this episode, we explore:• The meaning behind her book, Braving CreativityWhat it means to “brave” creativity, why the creative path is inherently scary and thrilling, and what inspired Naomi to collect the stories of artists navigating profound life change.• Why creativity is not optional — and never has beenHow Naomi reframes creativity as a life force, a coping mechanism, a spiritual path, and a way of making sense of being human.• The fears and barriers creatives face, including:o perfectionismo comparisono identity transitionso burnouto griefo fear of beginning againo fear of wanting something different• How she helps clients move through fearNaomi shares her approach to coaching: slowing down, returning to presence, finding safety in the body, interrupting old narratives, and practicing “micro-bravery” — small acts of courage that unlock momentum.• What happens inside the “messy middle”How to stay with yourself through ambiguity, doubt, and the long arc of becoming.• Creativity as companionshipNaomi’s perspective on creative practice as something that can hold you, grow with you, and become a stabilizing force during major life transitions.This is a conversation about resilience, reinvention, and the quiet, courageous choices that shape our creative lives. Connect with Naomi• Website: https://www.creativitymatter scoaching.com/• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creativitymatterscoaching/• Naomi’s book Braving Creativity: https://www.creativitymatterscoaching.com/braving-creativity Connect with Anna• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anna_holtzman/• Website: https://www.annaholtzman.com/• Free workshop — Let Yourself Be Seen: https://www.annaholtzman.com/beseen